Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted a message previous to this on the "Eating Problems" board, which is where this started. I had adopted a stray back in October, no older than 7 months; he tested Negative for Feline leukemia and I then proceeded to have him vaccinated and neutered. For a long while he did fine and was gaining weight steadily from the scrawny thing he'd shown up as. Lately he had seemed to lose interest in food; even when tempted with deli meats in addition to various different dry and moist foods.
Attitude was otherwise normal. After struggling to find a way to avoid a financial barrier (I'm 18, work part time at a clinic; and parents informed me right away if I wanted this cat, I would be responsible for all bills...) one of the veterinarians told me it would be of no charge since they sympathized with my compassion for the stray. So I was thrilled; hoping more than anything that it would simply be an oral sore or tooth problem that could be easily fixed. Not so... after bringing him in this afternoon, the Dr. examined him, found a lack of coloring in his nose and gums and was "very pale"; ran a blood sample and found out my kitty is anemic. Cause at this time is unknown, Dr. planned to run some more blood tests tonight. Also, at the clinic the Dr offered him some Science Diet Hairball Control which he, may I quote, "ate with good attitude." Am just wondering how serious this is... is anemia in felines something that can be treated or will I eventually run into having to make a decision regarding his suffering and quality of life? He's already dropped 3lbs since he was last in, in November. Anyone had any success stories regarding anemia; or any input at all? Thanks.

My guess the quality of his life and whatever the treatment would be will depend on what type of anemia he has - and how severe it is. There are several causes of anemia as well and some are more readily treatable than others. This is why further testing is very important!

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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

You know the problem with having a veterinary office with multiple doctors is that they always have conflicting views. Blood results came back normal with the exception of the anemia; the doc that saw him thought that my cat may have gotten into some poison and that the current doctor at the office knew about it, so I should talk to him. However when I talked to the other doctor; he said he doubted it was poisining and to bring my cat back in... after some physical examination the doctor felt that something was in his stomach. Either something eaten or possibly a tumor. He took the cat back with him this evening to the main clinic to do some x-rays and called me not long ago to say that there was two much fluid in the abdomen to be able to tell. He's going to have to go in and do surgery tomorrow morning; I get to come in and watch. I'm scared... he said if it was something he could remove he'd do it; but there's the possibility that it could be a tumor; in which case he would be able to euthanize him while he's already anesthisized. So I suppose I'll find out tomorrow morning. I am so thankful that the doctor is going out of his way for me like this... we normally close at 5:30 but he did the x-rays an hour ago, which would be around 7. I suppose I'll find out what's going on tomorrow... he's just the sweetest cat. Even after the doc was done examining him and was just talking to me; he was leaning over the table when Oliver (that's my cat) just slowly crawled up his arm and curled up laying down on the doc's shoulder/back of neck and was purring. He's found his way into so many of our hearts with his strong affection and desire for human contact... which I know that even in the worst scenario; will never be forgotten.

Oh my, how very terrible for you. I hope and pray that everything will be all right with the little guy. It's so obvious that you love him dearly!

Let us know what happens tomorrow. I will keep you and the kitty in my thoughts and prayers.


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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!